Mayor Tom Barrett receives official certificate of Irish heritage

 The Irish Minister of State for the Diaspora, or Irish living abroad, Jimmy Deenihan, has committed to tracing the roots of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in Ireland.

The day before St. Patrick's Day, Barrett received an official certificate of Irish heritage, a gesture bestowed in the past on the likes of actor Tom Cruise.

Deenihan visited with several Irish and Irish American groups as part of his mission to build stronger ties between America and Ireland.

He attended a jobs forum breakfast that focused on the dairy industry and agriculture technology. He says two Irish based companies are planning headquarters in Wisconsin.

He also is launching a new cultural program for young people of Irish descent. 

The support of Milwaukee Irish Fest and its volunteers is a valuable connection for Deenihan and he toured the Ward Irish Music Archives and gave a huge endorsement that is sure to speak volumes it the global community.

\"This archive is incredible. It's extraordinary. It's very valuable from a music point of view, but also from an Irish point of view.\"

To see more about his arrival and interview with CBS 58's Michele McCormack click here